Page 39 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Mitch cleared his throat. “How about we see how Monday goes before we make plans? I’m open on Tuesday and—dare I admit this—every day subsequent. I’m looking into opportunities to volunteer, but nothing has come up yet.”

“Well, those computer skills will be handy. But I can see not wanting to give away something you need to earn a living with.”

His smile ensured her that she’d hit the nail on the head.

“We can talk about volunteer options when we see you on Monday. I’m sure we’ll find something that’ll interest you.”

“I look forward to it.” He took her bare hand in his gloved one and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I wish I didn’t have to go, but I really do need to. See you Monday.” With one last look, he opened the door and stepped out.

She closed it behind him and dashed to the living room so she could watch as he sauntered down the driveway and onto the street. She hadn’t asked him to check in when he got home. Heck, she didn’t even have his personal phone number. Just his work number.

Flighty woman.

Which she wasn’t normally. Perhaps because she knew she’d be seeing him again shortly?

Marnie.

Damn.

She yanked her phone out of her back pocket. She pulled the drapes shut and checked Plato’s dry food bowl as she made her way to the master bedroom. Full. Oh, well. He wasn’t getting any more wet food tonight, so he could eat the expensive kibble or he could starve.

He wouldn’t, of course. Starve. He’d nibble on the kibble and go after her full force come morning. He followed her as she headed to her bedroom.

Knowing Marnie was waiting, yet still wanting to settle, she opted to undress and brush her teeth before laying on the bed with her head propped on the pillows. She dialed.

Marnie answered on the third ring. Breathless. “You’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” She sighed inwardly. “I hope you weren’t worried this whole time.” Marnie, dear soul of a woman, showed more care for Loriana than her mother had for her entire life.

“No.”

The younger woman drew out the word and Loriana instantly knew she was lying. Marnie might keep everything close to the chest—and be secretive about so much—but she wasn’t a great liar.

“Well, if you weren’t worrying, what were you doing?”

A huff. “I was on the treadmill.”

“At this time of night?” Loriana couldn’t fathom doing anything but getting into bed at—she checked the time—9:50 p.m.

“I needed the exercise.”

Marnie was in excellent physical health and used her treadmill every day.

Loriana’d once made the mistake of suggesting Marnie might want to walk outside. She’d even gone so far to suggest they meet up and walk around Heritage Park. The younger woman’s panic had been so palpable that Loriana’d felt it deep into her soul. That kind of panic didn’t exist in a vacuum. Whoever had hurt Marnie—and Loriana had no doubt someone had—the damage was long-lasting. Perhaps even lifelong. And that made her sad. She wanted her colleague to get out and experience life. Not live locked away in her lovely house. Or at least Loriana assumed it was a lovely house. She’d never been invited over. Did that smart a little? Sometimes. Perhaps.

“Loriana?”

“Mm, sorry?”

“I asked if you had a nice evening.”

“Oh, yeah, lovely.”

“Mitch seems like a really nice guy.”

Is that interest?

“He’s a great guy. So nice of him to help us out tonight.”

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